But despite the blue skies, a gusty breeze made for tricky conditions and made the sea swimming portion of the race a particularly challenging task.

Sam Wade, of Pro Motion Dynamics, was the overall winner after completing the 750m sea swim, 20k bike and 5k run in 1.01.12. Bodywork XTC racer Patrick Hough was second in 1.01.31 and his young team-mate Alex West was just three seconds back in third.

Wade said: “Great to win the Bexhill Triathlon for a second year. Thanks to TL Sports for hosting a great event.”

Women’s winner was Deborah Coyle of Greenwich Tritons with a time of 1.07.56. Yvette Grice (1.08.49) was second.

Of the nine Bexhill Runners & Triathletes taking part, Tom Brampton (35-39 age group) led the way, coming 40th overall and sixth in his age group with a time of 1.16.42.

Dick Donovan (60-64 years) topped his age group with a time of 1.23.33 to come 70th overall. Ben Evett (40-44 years) came 74th and eighth in age group with a time of 1.24.22.

Tamsin Mowbray (45-49 years) was the runner-up in her age category with a time of 1.26.37, coming 85th overall.Dave Palmer (45-49 AG) was 96th overall and 11th in age with 1.28.26.

Jez Wood (50-54 years) had a time of 1.30.25 to be placed fifth in his age group and 103rd overall. Adrian Collins (50-54 years) finished a place lower in both the overall and age group standings, coming in just one second after his clubmate.

Ken Beattie (45-49 years) came 14th in his age group and 107th overall in 1.31.22, while Andy Bishop’s (55-59 years) first triathlon ended with him second in age group and 120th overall in a time of 1.34.38.